RAINN Day Reaches Those at Greatest Risk of Sexual Violence: College-age Women

RAINN Day Reaches Those at Greatest Risk of Sexual Violence: College-age Women

September 23, 2010 – (Washington, DC) – RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network), along with hundreds of colleges and universities all over the country, is today celebrating RAINN Day[4], the annual grassroots campaign to raise awareness and fight against sexual violence on college campuses.

One out of six women will be sexually assaulted in her lifetime, and college-age women are four times more likely than any other age group to be sexually assaulted. RAINN Day educates more than one million students in all 50 states, DC, Puerto Rico, and Canada with information on how to reduce the risk of sexual violence and what to do if they or a friend have been assaulted.

With support from the Justice Department’s Office for Victims of Crime[5], RAINN has been able to expand RAINN Day 2010 to additional campuses, and amplify these valuable messages. And with the participation of thousands of students and volunteers across the country, RAINN Day will raise awareness through free movie screenings of the box office sensation, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo[6], volunteer drives, speakers, petitions, posters, and passing out RAINN Day cards.

“It is so important for victims of sexual violence to know that it is not their fault and that they are not alone,” said Scott Berkowitz, president and founder of RAINN. “RAINN Day is a powerful vehicle to get accurate information to college students about sexual violence and how to begin recovering from the crime. Dedicated and energetic volunteers and students across the country make this day meaningful, far-reaching, and informative.”

Silver Dobbins of State University of New York in Potsdam said, "We've been really excited about being a part of RAINN Day. It's awesome knowing that thousands of students nationwide are also doing what we're doing - bringing awareness to the community! It's the first step to creating a safer world.” For RAINN Day, Potsdam Against Sexual Assault will hold a homemade jewelry sale to benefit Renewal House of St. Lawrence. They will also hold a self-defense demonstration and host a free movie screening of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo[6].

RAINN Day organizers use materials designed especially for RAINN Day 2010 activities, including the following:

RAINN Day Guide – this packet helps organizers create the most successful event possible for their community, offering a wide variety of ideas, plans, informational materials, and resources that can be adjusted for a particular event’s size and budget.

College Poster – this “Stop and Listen” message resonates on campuses across the country, reminding victims that it is never too late to get help through RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE) and Online Hotline (online.rainn.org[7]).

Lana Highfill, a student at Ivy Tech Community College in Sellersburg, Indiana sees RAINN Day as a valuable opportunity to reach students and the community. "As a community college, many students here take night classes, so it is important for them to be aware of potential dangers as they walk to the outer edges of our parking lots in the dark and often alone. An assault can happen anywhere,” said Highfill. “Taking part in RAINN Day gives me the chance to provide resources to all students so they know what to do if they or a friend is attacked."

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please know that the assault is not your fault and that you are not alone. In the event that you are sexually assaulted, find a safe place, and contact the police immediately. To speak with someone who can help you through the aftermath, and accompany you to the hospital, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE) or visit the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline at online.rainn.org[7].

About RAINN

RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization and was named one of “America’s 100 Best Charities” by Worth magazine. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE and online.rainn.org[7]) in partnership with more than 1,100 local rape crisis centers across the country. The hotlines have helped more than 1.5 million people since 1994. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual assault, help victims and ensure that rapists are brought to justice. For more information about RAINN, please visit rainn.org[1].